Manchester United had top scout Marcel Bout posted to Salzburg to check on RBS ace Erling Haaland last night.

The Sun says Bout saw twice-capped Norway star Haaland, 19, against Champions League opponents Liverpool in Austria.

Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly made Haaland and Leicester playmaker James Maddison, 23, his prime targets for January's transfer window.

Haaland is thought to have a £17million release clause in his Salzburg contract.

The Leeds United fan is the son of former Elland Road, Man City and Nottingham Forest hardman Alf-Inge Haaland.